Having a fun discussion of the NYC subway scene of 2108 over at Second Avenue Sagas.
Imagine a Second Avenue Subway running from Co-op City to Staten Island. Dream big, or live small.
Showing posts with label MTA subways. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MTA subways. Show all posts
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
MTA Hikes Fares
Read all about it at Second Avenue Sagas. I'm disappointed, for a variety of reasons. The biggest reason is the failure of imagination this shows up in our leadership.
Why the hell didn't Bloomberg use his pull to tie congestion pricing to holding fares at the current level? It's a hard enough to swallow a carrot and stick approach, with Congestion pricing as the stick. What do transit riders get but . . . another stick! No carrots today, people.
And Spitzer. The Governor preserved the $2 fare. For who? Daytrippers and tourists, the people who are most likely to pay an increase without skipping a stride? What I'd like to see from the Governor's office is a recognition, in word and deed (and by deed, I mean money) that New York is committed to investing in transit. New York is the second greenest city in America. It's not because of our combined sewer outflows, which violate the Clean Water Act by flooding our coastal waters with raw sewage each and every time it rains. It's certainly not because of the incredible amount of electricity wasted in Times Square and elsewhere every single day. It is because we have a remarkable efficient means of moving people around the city in the form of our subways.
But the transit system has many faults, from congested lines, to crumbling infrastructure, to ADA non-compliance, to whole swaths of the city that are under served by transit. Mr. Spitzer, the City is begging for a Governor who will reverse the disastrous neglect of George Pataki. You can be that guy.
The Bill of Rights proposed by Councilmen deBlasio and Liu yesterday is a step in the right direction. But for that initiative, or indeed any initiative to get traction, we need to see real leadership from Albany and City Hall. A travel-weary city awaits.
Rant over. (for now)
Why the hell didn't Bloomberg use his pull to tie congestion pricing to holding fares at the current level? It's a hard enough to swallow a carrot and stick approach, with Congestion pricing as the stick. What do transit riders get but . . . another stick! No carrots today, people.
And Spitzer. The Governor preserved the $2 fare. For who? Daytrippers and tourists, the people who are most likely to pay an increase without skipping a stride? What I'd like to see from the Governor's office is a recognition, in word and deed (and by deed, I mean money) that New York is committed to investing in transit. New York is the second greenest city in America. It's not because of our combined sewer outflows, which violate the Clean Water Act by flooding our coastal waters with raw sewage each and every time it rains. It's certainly not because of the incredible amount of electricity wasted in Times Square and elsewhere every single day. It is because we have a remarkable efficient means of moving people around the city in the form of our subways.
But the transit system has many faults, from congested lines, to crumbling infrastructure, to ADA non-compliance, to whole swaths of the city that are under served by transit. Mr. Spitzer, the City is begging for a Governor who will reverse the disastrous neglect of George Pataki. You can be that guy.
The Bill of Rights proposed by Councilmen deBlasio and Liu yesterday is a step in the right direction. But for that initiative, or indeed any initiative to get traction, we need to see real leadership from Albany and City Hall. A travel-weary city awaits.
Rant over. (for now)
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Straphangers Bill of Rights
Councilmen Bill deBlasio and John Liu held a press conference today calling on the MTA to establish a Straphangers' "Bill of Rights", including such radical ideas as reliable on-time service and attractively priced fares.
Also speaking were Dan Cantor, Executive Director of the Working Families Party, Gene Russianoff of Straphangers campaign, and yours truly. Check out the news tonight, the TV media were out in force.
My two cents:
"New York, and Brooklyn in particular, have seen a surge in population and in transit ridership, but investments in transit have not kept pace," said Gary Reilly, Brooklyn Transit Advocate. "If the MTA was as aggressive in seeking money from Albany and the Mayor's office as it is from our bus and subway riders, there wouldn't be a fare crisis. If we're to preserve our status as one of the greenest cities in America, we need Governor Spitzer to commit to state funding for mass transit that will reverse the tragic legacy of neglect left us by the Pataki administration. Can you imagine if your kid brought home a report card full of Cs and Ds, and then not only asked for but demanded a raise in allowance?"
NOTE - Having some formatting issues . . . bear with me, thanks.
Subway Riders’ Bill of Rights
1. Fares that are affordable and attract riders to use mass transit.
2. Regular, on-time subway service.
3. Immediate and real-time notification of service changes and advisories available to passengers on platforms, in train cars, and via internet and text message with accurate information.
4. Accurate and user-friendly assistance for riders to find alternative means of transportation in situations where service is interrupted.
5. Trains and platforms that are kept clean.
6. A working and understandable public address system on all platforms and in all trains, with in-car announcements alerting passengers to upcoming train stops and platform notifications informing riders of the arrival of the next train.
7. Well-trained, helpful station and train personnel to provide information and directions, as well as establish a human presence in the subways.
8. Working payphones in all stations and access to cellular phone service while on platforms.
9. An MTA website that is user-friendly and can support heavy traffic such as that which may be experienced during an emergency.
10. An environment as safe and secure as possible from crime and terrorism, with such features as an increased presence of uniformed police officers and bright lighting.
Also speaking were Dan Cantor, Executive Director of the Working Families Party, Gene Russianoff of Straphangers campaign, and yours truly. Check out the news tonight, the TV media were out in force.
My two cents:
"New York, and Brooklyn in particular, have seen a surge in population and in transit ridership, but investments in transit have not kept pace," said Gary Reilly, Brooklyn Transit Advocate. "If the MTA was as aggressive in seeking money from Albany and the Mayor's office as it is from our bus and subway riders, there wouldn't be a fare crisis. If we're to preserve our status as one of the greenest cities in America, we need Governor Spitzer to commit to state funding for mass transit that will reverse the tragic legacy of neglect left us by the Pataki administration. Can you imagine if your kid brought home a report card full of Cs and Ds, and then not only asked for but demanded a raise in allowance?"
NOTE - Having some formatting issues . . . bear with me, thanks.
Subway Riders’ Bill of Rights
1. Fares that are affordable and attract riders to use mass transit.
2. Regular, on-time subway service.
3. Immediate and real-time notification of service changes and advisories available to passengers on platforms, in train cars, and via internet and text message with accurate information.
4. Accurate and user-friendly assistance for riders to find alternative means of transportation in situations where service is interrupted.
5. Trains and platforms that are kept clean.
6. A working and understandable public address system on all platforms and in all trains, with in-car announcements alerting passengers to upcoming train stops and platform notifications informing riders of the arrival of the next train.
7. Well-trained, helpful station and train personnel to provide information and directions, as well as establish a human presence in the subways.
8. Working payphones in all stations and access to cellular phone service while on platforms.
9. An MTA website that is user-friendly and can support heavy traffic such as that which may be experienced during an emergency.
10. An environment as safe and secure as possible from crime and terrorism, with such features as an increased presence of uniformed police officers and bright lighting.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Straphangers Bill (deBlasio) of Rights
I hear that Bill deBlasio is holding a press conference on Tuesday at noon at Union Square Park to unveil a City Council Resolution laying out a Straphanger's Bill of Rights.
When: Tuesday 12/18, 12:00 - High Noon!
Where: Union Square.
That's all I've got. So to pad out this post, here are a couple of cool construction shots taken from the Engineering News Record's 2007 photo contest. Plenty of cool images there for infrastructure geeks. Pictured here are East Side Access, Fulton Street Transit Corridor, and South Ferry, respectively. Get your transit geek on.
This last one is my favorite. It looks like a crappy sci-fi film shoot could break out at any moment.
When: Tuesday 12/18, 12:00 - High Noon!
Where: Union Square.
That's all I've got. So to pad out this post, here are a couple of cool construction shots taken from the Engineering News Record's 2007 photo contest. Plenty of cool images there for infrastructure geeks. Pictured here are East Side Access, Fulton Street Transit Corridor, and South Ferry, respectively. Get your transit geek on.
This last one is my favorite. It looks like a crappy sci-fi film shoot could break out at any moment.
Monday, November 12, 2007
MTA Outreach Event Saturday 11/17
The MTA is hosting a workshop this Saturday, November 17th (preregister HERE) . . . for those of you (like me) who will be out of town - tell the MTA what you think about potential fare hikes HERE.
This interactive workshop will provide an overview of the MTA s financial situation and suggested options for adjusting fares and tolls. The feedback from the workshop will supplement the formal fare and toll public hearings and give you an additional forum at which to provide the MTA with informed, meaningful input about which options you prefer and your priorities for the future of the MTA.
While the traditional public hearings that begin on November 5 allow MTA customers to make a brief public statement, the November 17 forum will provide more information and an extended conversation that will inform the MTA Board before it considers the budget in December.
10 am - 1:30 pm (Pre-registration required for all participants by phone or email.)This is one I really would have liked to attend . . . but written testimony goes into the same public record, so even if you can't make it, let the MTA know we need better transit options, including enhanced F/V/G service on the Culver Line . . . and that fare hikes in this environment are unacceptable. First, the City and State need to pay a "fare" share of the costs.
New York University - Kimmel Center
KC Rosenthal Pavilion, 10th Floor
60 Washington Square South
New York, NY 10012Directions:
W 4th St at Washington Sq, Manhattan
Subway Services: A, C, D, E, F, to W 4 St; 1 to Christopher St; N, R, to 8 St; 6 to Astor Pl
Bus Services: M1, M2, M3, M5, M6, M8, M21
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Smith and Ninth: Averting Disaster
From the comments, the intrepid Cap'n Transit has some creative suggestions for the MTA to mitigate the impacts of the Smith/9th station rehab (station closed for nine months . . . and that's if there are no delays).
First things first: MTA has to do a better job of outreach on a project like this. The Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association didn't have any warning that this was coming: the first any of us heard of it was from the Metro article last week. But it's not too late. The station work is expected to take place in 2010; there is still time to get community input on the necessary mitigation efforts.
First off, running a shuttle bus directly from Smith and Ninth into the Battery Tunnel and out to the Fulton Street Transit corridor is a must. Second, there should be some shuttle service to 4th Avenue for those who are doing a reverse commute. Simply running a shuttle back and forth between Carroll Street and Smith/Ninth is unacceptable.
Long term, as Cap'n Transit suggests, a tunnel would be nice; however the limiting factor (besides the obvious cost) is topography. The train would have to take a pretty massive dip under the Gowanus Canal, and the relative elevations at Carroll Street and in Windsor Terrace are pretty high. Thus, the ride would be a bit of a roller coaster along that stretch, and steep tunnels are tough for the trains to handle.
I could be wrong about that last bit, I understand that to be the problem.
First things first: MTA has to do a better job of outreach on a project like this. The Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association didn't have any warning that this was coming: the first any of us heard of it was from the Metro article last week. But it's not too late. The station work is expected to take place in 2010; there is still time to get community input on the necessary mitigation efforts.
First off, running a shuttle bus directly from Smith and Ninth into the Battery Tunnel and out to the Fulton Street Transit corridor is a must. Second, there should be some shuttle service to 4th Avenue for those who are doing a reverse commute. Simply running a shuttle back and forth between Carroll Street and Smith/Ninth is unacceptable.
Long term, as Cap'n Transit suggests, a tunnel would be nice; however the limiting factor (besides the obvious cost) is topography. The train would have to take a pretty massive dip under the Gowanus Canal, and the relative elevations at Carroll Street and in Windsor Terrace are pretty high. Thus, the ride would be a bit of a roller coaster along that stretch, and steep tunnels are tough for the trains to handle.
I could be wrong about that last bit, I understand that to be the problem.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Smith and 9th Subway StationTo Close for 12 Months
Wow. This is the first I've heard of this . . . although in a way it's not surprising, given the scope of the Viaduct rehabilitation and the total rehabilitation of the Smith and 9th Station that is scheduled.
According to the Metro article that broke the news, the MTA has made the community "well aware" of this development. However, when an MTA spokesman came to speak to CGNA in late August, he mentioned only that Smith and 9th Street was in line for a total overhaul (and the station is in dire need of one). But there was no mention of closing the entire station down for any length of time, as I recall it.
12 months is a long time. If this happens at the same time that MTA closes the stairs at the Carroll Street Station's 2nd Place entrance for Billy Stein's 360 Smith, all hell's gonna break loose.
UPDATES:
How the hell did I miss the last paragraph?
And Jen at KensingtonBrooklyn noted earlier this week that an MTA spokesman would be at the Albemarle Neighborhood Association meeting tonight at 6:30. Details HERE.
According to the Metro article that broke the news, the MTA has made the community "well aware" of this development. However, when an MTA spokesman came to speak to CGNA in late August, he mentioned only that Smith and 9th Street was in line for a total overhaul (and the station is in dire need of one). But there was no mention of closing the entire station down for any length of time, as I recall it.
12 months is a long time. If this happens at the same time that MTA closes the stairs at the Carroll Street Station's 2nd Place entrance for Billy Stein's 360 Smith, all hell's gonna break loose.
UPDATES:
How the hell did I miss the last paragraph?
There is another silver lining: The G will be extended to Church Avenue throughout the project, and one express track will be rehabilitated — potentially opening the door to a permanent F express in years to come.
And Jen at KensingtonBrooklyn noted earlier this week that an MTA spokesman would be at the Albemarle Neighborhood Association meeting tonight at 6:30. Details HERE.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Congestion Pricing - Brooklyn Presser Tomorrow
Tomorrow at 11:00 there will be a press conference in Downtown Brooklyn to publicize the map of proposed initial transit enhancements to go along with congestion pricing.
As you can see in the photo (click for a larger image), the enhancements are essentially new and bolstered existing bus lines throughout Brooklyn. The only immediate subway enhancement, near as I can tell, is extending C trains to 10 cars (a welcome improvement). Of course, any version of congestion pricing that comes down the pike MUST include enhanced F/V service in its medium-term planning.
Michael Cairl of the Park Slope Civic Council had this to say:
"Immediate implementation of transit improvements is essential to the success of congestion mitigation, and such improvements must occur whether or not congestion pricing is adopted, because of the severity of congestion today. Immediate improvements must include peak-hour, peak-direction express service on the F line between Kings Highway and Jay Street-Borough Hall, accompanied by increased frequency of G service and its extension to Church Avenue. MTA New York City Transit should also give serious consideration to extending peak-hour V service from its current terminal at Second Avenue to Kings Highway, providing local service on the Culver Line to complement F express service. Together, these will speed travel to the Central Business District, improve transit options within Brooklyn, and will contribute significantly to a reduction in congestion."
That's right on the money.
I'll post further details of the press conference when I have them.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
What Might Have Been: Brooklyn - Staten Island Subway
My neighbor worked for the MTA for many years and told me that long ago, the predecessor to the MTA began a subway under the Narrows to Staten Island. Fascinating stuff.
I forgot about it for a while but then came across the part in The Power Broker detailing the many failures of city works under Tammany in the 1920's and there it was. The Narrows Tube,
The Google turned up some interesting history:
The NYC Roads page for the Verrazano Bridge has a history of the bridge that includes a history of the still-born tunnel from Brooklyn to Staten Island.
Saving the best for last, the NYC Subways page for the 4th Avenue line
details how the R train would have been extended out to Staten Island:
Put this down on my wish list for transit projects. If anyone knows about traces of these tunnels that can still be seen/explored, please let me know.
I forgot about it for a while but then came across the part in The Power Broker detailing the many failures of city works under Tammany in the 1920's and there it was. The Narrows Tube,
The Google turned up some interesting history:
The trans-narrows tube would have shot people and cargo across the Narrows
from St. George to Bay Ridge. The proposed two-mile tunnel section, which alone
would cost about $27 million, would have been the longest underwater tunnel in
the world when completed in 1929. But years passed and the tunnel project sat on
the city planners' shelves neglected. Work would halt a year later and petitioning would begin again. The incomplete construction of 1923 would turn out to be the closest Islanders have ever come to getting a rail connection to the rest of the city. (From the Staten Island Advance)
The NYC Roads page for the Verrazano Bridge has a history of the bridge that includes a history of the still-born tunnel from Brooklyn to Staten Island.
Saving the best for last, the NYC Subways page for the 4th Avenue line
details how the R train would have been extended out to Staten Island:
The original Dual Contracts plan provided for a tunnel under the Narrows from southern Brooklyn/Bay Ridge to Staten Island. The tunnel was intended to
leave the 4th Avenue subway at 65th St, Brooklyn, and would have entered
Staten Island midway between St. George and Stapleton, and would have had
branches to each. The 4th Avenue subway has four tracks between 59th and
65th Streets, two of which were intended for the Staten Island connection.
The Staten Island link might have been built in several different ways.
It is likely that a full 4-track subway to Fort Hamilton would only have
made sense if it led to a Narrows tunnel. A different plan, which got as far
as engineering drawings and even some excavation, would have left the subway
just south of 59th St, and you can see tunnel stub headings running straight
from the local tracks immediately south of the station. Several different
plans were drawn up for the Narrows tunnel, including a two track and a four
track option.
Recent discussions of a railroad freight tunnel across New York Harbor from New Jersey via Staten Island may once again bring about discussion of connecting the subway to Staten Island. It is likely that any tunnel built would be designed to tie into the LIRR's Bay Ridge Branch across southern Brooklyn to East New York, Fresh Pond, and via the New York Connecting Railroad to the Hell Gate Bridge.
Put this down on my wish list for transit projects. If anyone knows about traces of these tunnels that can still be seen/explored, please let me know.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
F Express in the Daily News
Councilmen Simcha Felder and Domenic Recchia have a solid piece of F Express advocacy in today's Daily News. Check it out.
Also, in another Daily News article on the MTA's congestion pricing impact costs:
Also, in another Daily News article on the MTA's congestion pricing impact costs:
The MTA said it would need 309 new buses to serve additional riders, includingMore cars for the F line? That's music to my ears. The campaign is working. Keep pushing, people. Keep pushing.
12 new express routes in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens, and 46 new subway cars to run more frequently on the 1, E and F lines and to make C trains longer.
Monday, September 17, 2007
MTA Going Green(er)
The Daily News has a story out this morning on the MTA's plans to be more environmentally friendly.
Good ideas.
In other news, Ben at SecondAveSagas covers the news of more federal funding for the SAS and the East Side Access projects. Another kind of green . . . and the Senators need to keep it coming for the NYC transit that is a model fro the rest of the country.
Good ideas.
In other news, Ben at SecondAveSagas covers the news of more federal funding for the SAS and the East Side Access projects. Another kind of green . . . and the Senators need to keep it coming for the NYC transit that is a model fro the rest of the country.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
The MTA and the Blogs
Mike Rundle has a good article in the Metro today about the MTA and feedback from the blogosphere, and the verdict is . . . . our voices matter.
And for my part, I spoke to NYC Transit representative Andrew Inglesby yesterday. No promises were made, but he assured me that the MTA is exploring options for restoring the F express after the Culver rehabilitation is completed . . . and also looking for ways to enhance service while the construction is under way. And I believe that is true, and further believe that our voices have made a big difference.
I'll have a chance to talk to DeBlasio Thursday during the zoning discussion (see this post) and let you know what happens.
For now, I think things are moving in the right direction. Councilmen Simcha Felder and Domenic Recchia have upped the ante with MTA, stating that they will oppose any rate hike in the future without F express service restored (thanks Jen). And thank you to all 3600 of you who signed the petition.
A recent online petition to reintroduce express service on the F line began as a post on the “Brooklyn Streets, Carroll Gardens” blog. The petition picked up the support of thousands of residents — as well as politicians and transit advocates — in only a few days. Now Metro has learned Councilman Bill de Blasio and NYC Transit officials expect to meet tomorrow to discuss the issue, which had lain dormant for years.Ben Kabak has a good rundown of the article over at Second Avenue Sagas (and gets a quote in as well).
And for my part, I spoke to NYC Transit representative Andrew Inglesby yesterday. No promises were made, but he assured me that the MTA is exploring options for restoring the F express after the Culver rehabilitation is completed . . . and also looking for ways to enhance service while the construction is under way. And I believe that is true, and further believe that our voices have made a big difference.
I'll have a chance to talk to DeBlasio Thursday during the zoning discussion (see this post) and let you know what happens.
For now, I think things are moving in the right direction. Councilmen Simcha Felder and Domenic Recchia have upped the ante with MTA, stating that they will oppose any rate hike in the future without F express service restored (thanks Jen). And thank you to all 3600 of you who signed the petition.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Possible Replay of Flooding Problems Tomorrow
What the hell is going on with our weather this month? Two crazy lightning storms, and now we have another flash flood warning in effect for tomorrow morning. See the NYT blog, here.
Three day weekend, anyone?
"Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody ever does anything about it!"
- Mark Twain (probably)
Three day weekend, anyone?
"Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody ever does anything about it!"
- Mark Twain (probably)
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Play Hooky Today! Subways A Disaster
Why reinvent the wheel? Ben at Second Avenue Sagas has the gory details on the debacle in the subway system due to last night's storm.
I was up and out early for an 8:00 dentist appointment way the hell over in Jersey City. Needless to say, that did not happen, but I did make it to work by 9:00 . . . a mere 1:45 commute.
Everything is totally screwed up this morning. Stay home if you can.
But what a storm last night! That was the second time in five days we've been woken out of a sound sleep by a massive thunder and lightning display. The lightning was impressive enough from indoors. But my brother was paving La Guardia this weekend, and they had a spectacular view of the action in the last storm. He said it was the first time he's seen ball lightning. Picture a giant orb of flickering power, and then lighting bolts shooting out of it in several directions at once.
I was up and out early for an 8:00 dentist appointment way the hell over in Jersey City. Needless to say, that did not happen, but I did make it to work by 9:00 . . . a mere 1:45 commute.
Everything is totally screwed up this morning. Stay home if you can.
But what a storm last night! That was the second time in five days we've been woken out of a sound sleep by a massive thunder and lightning display. The lightning was impressive enough from indoors. But my brother was paving La Guardia this weekend, and they had a spectacular view of the action in the last storm. He said it was the first time he's seen ball lightning. Picture a giant orb of flickering power, and then lighting bolts shooting out of it in several directions at once.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Wasted G Train
I have little use for the G train, usually. It's great to connect to the A train when I need to get to JFK, but that's pretty much my only G train usage.
But Sunday we were out for a long walk around the hood, loping from our home base in Carroll Gardens, through Park Slope and Kensington out into Boro Park and then circling back to Church Ave for the F train.
I wasn't aware that the G train ran all the way out past Church to turn around. My experience was eerily similar to those reported by KensingtonBrooklyn and SecondAvenueSagas. Empty G trains rolling in and out, waiting, never opening their doors. Consider that the G trains roll in, sit, and wait. There is absolutely no reason on earth they could not pick up passengers.
I understand that fixing this is in the works, given the upcoming construction plans, but why wait? All they have to do is open the doors! At least with the express tracks, there is some excuse for not expanding the service immediately. This is indefensible.
But Sunday we were out for a long walk around the hood, loping from our home base in Carroll Gardens, through Park Slope and Kensington out into Boro Park and then circling back to Church Ave for the F train.
I wasn't aware that the G train ran all the way out past Church to turn around. My experience was eerily similar to those reported by KensingtonBrooklyn and SecondAvenueSagas. Empty G trains rolling in and out, waiting, never opening their doors. Consider that the G trains roll in, sit, and wait. There is absolutely no reason on earth they could not pick up passengers.
I understand that fixing this is in the works, given the upcoming construction plans, but why wait? All they have to do is open the doors! At least with the express tracks, there is some excuse for not expanding the service immediately. This is indefensible.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
F/V Petition Delivered: End of Act I
Success! This morning I presented to the MTA Board several copies of the petition including the first 2,449 signatures. The 5th floor meeting room was packed, with all chairs taken and a few people standing.
The best moment of the meeting occurred about halfway through. Board Member Andrew B. Albert, whom I've never met, took a moment to express support the F&V petition.
Paraphrase:
Albert: I'd like to second what Mr. Reilly said about restoring the F express train in Brooklyn.
Kalikow: Was this something that was always intended when the express was shut for repairs originally?
Albert: Yes it was, but after the horrible fire we had at the Bergen Street station, it was put on the shelf.
Eliot Sander: We're looking into it.
News 12 conducted an interview with me after the meeting, which I assume will air tonight or sometime this week. Thank you News 12, for the interest.
After the meeting, I had chance to speak briefly with Board Member Norman Seabrook. The bottom line: our pleas are not falling on deaf ears.
Today was a good day. We still have Acts II and III ahead of us. How it ends is all that matters.
The best moment of the meeting occurred about halfway through. Board Member Andrew B. Albert, whom I've never met, took a moment to express support the F&V petition.
Paraphrase:
Albert: I'd like to second what Mr. Reilly said about restoring the F express train in Brooklyn.
Kalikow: Was this something that was always intended when the express was shut for repairs originally?
Albert: Yes it was, but after the horrible fire we had at the Bergen Street station, it was put on the shelf.
Eliot Sander: We're looking into it.
News 12 conducted an interview with me after the meeting, which I assume will air tonight or sometime this week. Thank you News 12, for the interest.
After the meeting, I had chance to speak briefly with Board Member Norman Seabrook. The bottom line: our pleas are not falling on deaf ears.
Today was a good day. We still have Acts II and III ahead of us. How it ends is all that matters.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
NYT: Water Is Wet, Subway System Bursting At Seams
As I waited 10 minutes for a crowded F train at rush hour this morning, I passed the time with a revelatory article in the NYT Metro section: Some Subways Found Packed Past Capacity.
The article has an accompanying graphic, however, that is of questionable accuracy. It lists the F train at 100% of track capacity . . . which is only true if you ignore the unused express tracks lying between the local tracks through Brooklyn.
The Times article does highlight THE key issue facing New York City today: our underfunded transit infrastructure is at the breaking point. At some point, NY will either buck up and fund the system properly, or face another exodus of people and wealth as the quality of life plunges.
The desire for change is palpable; I put a petition for better service on the F&V online, and nearly 2500 people signed on in under two weeks! People want better transit options. We need dedicated streams of funding for transit, and a re-imagining of the system that looks at the historical inefficiencies left behind by the disjointed history of subway construction and brings the system to a level of service better than any city in the world.
Demand it! I'll be delivering the petition to the MTA Board tomorrow morning at 9:30 sharp. The meeting is open to public comment, but you must arrive by 9:00 to sign up.
The article has an accompanying graphic, however, that is of questionable accuracy. It lists the F train at 100% of track capacity . . . which is only true if you ignore the unused express tracks lying between the local tracks through Brooklyn.
The Times article does highlight THE key issue facing New York City today: our underfunded transit infrastructure is at the breaking point. At some point, NY will either buck up and fund the system properly, or face another exodus of people and wealth as the quality of life plunges.
The desire for change is palpable; I put a petition for better service on the F&V online, and nearly 2500 people signed on in under two weeks! People want better transit options. We need dedicated streams of funding for transit, and a re-imagining of the system that looks at the historical inefficiencies left behind by the disjointed history of subway construction and brings the system to a level of service better than any city in the world.
Demand it! I'll be delivering the petition to the MTA Board tomorrow morning at 9:30 sharp. The meeting is open to public comment, but you must arrive by 9:00 to sign up.
Friday, June 22, 2007
2,197 Signers Demand Enhanced F&V Service to Brooklyn
Well I'll be damned. Almost 2,200 signatures on the petition as of 10:25 Friday morning. And new write-ups in the Brooklyn Paper and the Daily News, though the news got the facts a bit mixed up. Nevertheless, it's good that Jen at Kensington Brooklyn gets some credit, as she has been pushing this issue hard.
A nice new round-up over at SecondAvenueSagas on the coverage. Ben rightly notes that the Brooklyn Paper's Ariella Cohen did a great job of covering the issue. And who's that handsome devil in the picture?
Spread the word and tell your friends, neighbors, and bitter enemies, because I'll be printing out the petitions and handing them out at the MTA Board meeting next Wednesday, June 27th. The Culver Viaduct rehabilitation is on the agenda, which provides an opportunity to address the issue. With a two minute speaking limit, your signatures will matter more than my words.
UPDATE:
Streetsblog has picked up the petition as well.
A nice new round-up over at SecondAvenueSagas on the coverage. Ben rightly notes that the Brooklyn Paper's Ariella Cohen did a great job of covering the issue. And who's that handsome devil in the picture?
Spread the word and tell your friends, neighbors, and bitter enemies, because I'll be printing out the petitions and handing them out at the MTA Board meeting next Wednesday, June 27th. The Culver Viaduct rehabilitation is on the agenda, which provides an opportunity to address the issue. With a two minute speaking limit, your signatures will matter more than my words.
UPDATE:
Streetsblog has picked up the petition as well.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Downtown Brooklyn Partnership Supports F Express, Congestion pricing
I had heard from Crain's that the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership endorsed the Enhanced F&V Petition. (which, by the way, is up to 2,096 signatures)
The Brooklyn Eagle has a story out today that DBP has endorsed congestion pricing as well as a number of transit enhancements, including free street transfers, restored express service on the F line, and more local service.
All of these enhancements would be good for New York.
The Brooklyn Eagle has a story out today that DBP has endorsed congestion pricing as well as a number of transit enhancements, including free street transfers, restored express service on the F line, and more local service.
All of these enhancements would be good for New York.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Metro Covers the F&V Express Petition
First page photo and lede, and big article on page four. Things are heating up now.
Come on, MTA, make this happen. Investments in transit pay off in increased quality of life for everybody. Let's find the money and get this done. make NYC a better place to work, live, and move.
Come on, MTA, make this happen. Investments in transit pay off in increased quality of life for everybody. Let's find the money and get this done. make NYC a better place to work, live, and move.
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